Associated News Bureau

Chief Secretary Lays Foundation Stone for Rs 2.84-Crore Restoration of Historic Vittal Bhairav Temple in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 17: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the restoration and revival of the historic Vittal Bhairav Temple at Motiyar in Rainawari, Srinagar, marking a significant step towards preserving Kashmir’s rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage. The restoration project, estimated to cost Rs 2.84 crore, is being undertaken under the government’s heritage conservation initiative. The project aims to restore the temple’s historic character and preserve its cultural and religious significance for future generations. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr Basharat Qayoom, Director Archives, representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community and other concerned officials attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony. During the visit, the Chief Secretary reviewed various components of the proposed restoration project and directed the concerned officers to expedite the work while ensuring adherence to the prescribed timelines and quality standards. Emphasising the importance of the initiative, Dulloo said the restoration project aimed to revive the temple’s decades-old glory while safeguarding its architectural features and cultural legacy. He said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s rich heritage and acknowledging the cultural contributions of different communities that form an integral part of the region’s diverse social fabric. The Chief Secretary observed that the Vittal Bhairav Temple holds considerable historical, cultural and religious significance and represents an important component of Kashmir’s shared heritage. He expressed hope that the restoration work would help preserve the temple’s architectural appeal, historical value and social significance, ensuring that its legacy remains intact for future generations. Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioners Syed Abu Qasim and Nuzhat Qureshi, Superintending Engineer R&B Tatheer Manzoor, and officers from the Roads and Buildings Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Police, Revenue and other concerned departments were also present on the occasion. ANB